With the release of QuickBooks Desktop 2024 right around the corner, many small business owners are eager to upgrade from older versions like QuickBooks Desktop 2023.
Upgrading to the latest QuickBooks Desktop unlocks new features and improvements that can boost productivity. Here's a step-by-step guide to safely upgrade QuickBooks Desktop 2023 to 2024 without losing data.
Back-Up Your QuickBooks Desktop 2023 Company File
The first crucial step is backing up your current QuickBooks Desktop 2023 company file. This safeguards your data in case any issues arise during the upgrade.
To back up the company file, open QuickBooks Desktop 2023 and select File> Back Up Company > Create Local Backup. Choose a location like your desktop or external storage and click Save. QuickBooks will now create a QBB file copy to protect your data.
Download the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 Installer
Once backed up, you can download the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 installer from the QuickBooks website. Select the correct version for your Windows or Mac operating system.
The installer file should begin downloading automatically. Please make a note of where it is saved on your computer. Completing the download may take some time, depending on your internet connection speed.
Install QuickBooks Desktop 2024
When the download finishes, open the QuickBooks Desktop 2024 installer file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install QuickBooks Desktop 2024 on your computer.
Be sure to install the software in the exact location as your previous version so that QuickBooks can automatically find your company file. The installation wizard will guide you through choosing install options and locations.
Open Your Company File in QuickBooks Desktop 2024
After QuickBooks Desktop 2024 finishes installing, open the software. On the No Company Open screen, click Open a Company. Select your existing QuickBooks Desktop 2023 company file (it will have a . QBB file extension) and click Open.
QuickBooks may take several minutes to convert and update your company file the first time it's opened in QuickBooks Desktop 2024. Let this process complete - do not close the software even if it seems unresponsive while converting your File.
Customize QuickBooks Desktop 2024 Settings
Once your company file opens in QuickBooks Desktop 2024, take a few minutes to reconfirm your application settings and preferences.
Navigate to Edit > Preferences to validate your company information, accountant preferences, and automation options. Also, review your sales, payroll, and reporting settings. Tweak anything needed to match your workflows.
Update Integrations & Add-On Apps
If you utilize any third-party integrations with your QuickBooks Desktop company file, those connections will likely need to be re-established in QuickBooks Desktop 2024.
Check supported apps like accounting software, e-commerce platforms, or data analytics to confirm 2024 compatibility. Update, recreate, or reauthorize any integrations as needed.
Migrate Users and their Permissions
For multi-user access, you must recreate all users within QuickBooks Desktop 2024 and reassign their permissions.
Open the User List under the Gear icon and add each necessary user. Then, use the Set Up Users and Roles wizard to apply the desired permissions for each migrated user based on their 2023 roles.
Now, colleagues can access the new company file. Sync via Cloud Sharing if remote access is needed.
Start Using QuickBooks Desktop 2024!
With your company file migrated, settings configured, apps reconnected, and users added - you're all set to start using QuickBooks Desktop 2024!
Look through what's new and use handy features like bulk editing transactions, Dark Mode, improved search, and enhanced inventory workflows. QuickBooks Desktop 2024 brings speed and simplicity to small business accounting.
And if any questions arise during your transition to 2024, don't hesitate to contact the QuickBooks support team. They can provide troubleshooting and guidance to ensure your upgrade goes smoothly. Enjoy the new capabilities!
No comments yet